156. In Flames; movie review

 

IN FLAMES

Cert 15

98 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong violence, domestic abuse, sexual harassment

We have the impression in the West that the authorities and even the population in Pakistan would be intolerant of movies like In Flames.

Zarrar Kahn's film takes us on an emotional journey, examining society through the poignant eyes of a daughter and mother who are grappling with the recent loss of their family patriarch.

He provided the financial stability and the wherewithal to keep them safe in a man's world.

Mariam, played with great conviction by Ramesha Nawal, is a teenager torn between maintaining traditional culture and youthful exploration.

Thus, she nervously begins a tentative relationship with a fellow college student (Omar Javaid).

Meanwhile, her mum (Bakhtawar Mazha) is putting her faith in her father's uncle (Adnan Shah Tipu), who promises to help her out of a potentially ruinous financial situation.

But should they trust these men who seem so plausible on the outside yet may hold ulterior motives?

In addition, the relationship between the women is fractious, throwing scorn on their respective life decisions.

In Flames illuminates women's difficulties in establishing themselves and avoiding being exploited by men in Pakistan.

It also has a supernatural element, with the teenager seeing the spirits of those who have passed and flashbacks to incidents that have shaped her outlook.

This makes it not always easy to follow, but concentration is rewarded with an enthralling and challenging movie.

The performances in In Flames, particularly those of Nawal and Mazha, are commendable. I eagerly anticipate more work from Kahn.

Reasons to watch: Enthralling and challenging

Reasons to avoid: Not always easy to follow

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 8/10

Did you know?  A report by the Aurat Foundation, a women's rights organisation in Pakistan, found that over 11,000 cases of violence against women were reported in 2020.

The final word. Zarrar Kahn: "We were poking the bear when we made this film. But it was also really refreshing to see people championing the film, a film that we knew would be divisive." Screen Anarchy

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